Fail Rate

Common Issues

Common Recommendations

Renew eyewash

Ensure eye wash station is regularly checked

Information

What is an eye eye wash station?

Eyewash stations are the equipment used to drench or relatively flush the eyes with water when substances like dust, irritants or chemicals get into contact with the eyes. Eyewash stations are designated areas in industries, work areas, schools that provide on the spot decontamination. The first 10-15 seconds are very crucial after being exposed to a hazardous substance. This substance could be corrosive, which is critical to your eyes.

Delayed treatment could cause significant negative injuries. Chemical exposures still happen even in areas with good controls and safety precautions. Having face shields goggles, and procedures that recommend the use of personal protective equipment does not protect workers from these accidental chemical exposures. The eyewash stations are significantly important in industries that use chemicals as a backup in order to minimise the accidental chemical exposure effects on the employees.

For maximum effectiveness, the equipment needs to be accessible to all personnel. It is recommended by The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 that a person should be able to get to the equipment in a time frame of fewer than 10 seconds. In the instance where the injured person may not have the ability to see, the regulations act states that the average person can walk an average of 15 meters in the 10 seconds window. Depending on the corrosive nature of the chemicals being handled, an emergency eyewash station should be situated close to the workstation. This is because the 10-second rule changes depending on the effect of the chemical involved. It is therefore recommended that as a company, you consult a professional that bears the knowledge of the work area to show you the exact position the eyewash station should sit.

Where should eyewash stations be located?

The unit should be installed in a way that it is not contaminated by the corrosive chemicals used in the work areas. The location of the eye wash stations should be marked with a visible sign. The sign should also not require language skills from the workers to clearly understand it. The location should also be well lit and free of other obstacles that might make someone in a rush to trip and fall. They should also not be separated by partitions from where the hazardous work area is. Having the eyewash station on the same floor as the hazardous workstation is very recommendable. There should be no stairs that require a lot of travel to reach it.

In an instance where you have an eye emergency, you are required to notify a co-worker immediately. Rush to the eyewash station as someone else dials the emergency call number. Activate the hand and foot lever so as to start the flow of water. You are required to keep your eyelids open and at the same time keep the water flowing over the eyeballs. Roll your eyeballs around so that the water touches all the surfaces and also gets in under the eyelids. You are required to wash both eyes even if you think that you only contaminated one eye. If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you remove them during the eye flushing. The contacts may hold the corrosive chemicals under the eyes and cause further damages. Do not rub your eyes even if you feel an itchy sensation. The eye flushing should continue for an average 15 minutes or, if not until the emergency response team arrives at the workplace and give you different instructions. Remember, eye washes are just the first emergency first aid response and that you should seek medical attention for the eye injury.

According to The Health and Safety Regulations act 1981, any workplace where employees eyes could be exposed to harmful corrosive materials, it is required that the workplace is fitted with suitable facilities like the eyewash station for quick and immediate drenching of the eyes. The act also specifies that the eyewash facilities be built near the work area and that they should be available for immediate use. This is regardless of the size and number of the employees in a business facility. When you as a company examine the first aid information sticker on any chemical you use, you will have an idea of whether or not an eyewash station is required in the employees work areas.

Both portable and plumbed eyewash stations are acceptable by the law. However, the wall mounted plastic eye wash bottle is not recommended by the regulations as it does not fit in with the required 15-minute continuous eye flushing water flow. The eyewash stations are also required to be maintained at all times. Because they use water, they could cause build up in the pipes. This could present a dangerous situation when the workers are working with highly reactive and volatile chemicals. A company is also required by law to first aid train its employees in the location, utilisation and operation of the eyewash units

eLearning Zone

The eLearning Zone is a web based learning application developed to automate and streamline the management of your organisation’s training needs and to ensure your employees always meet training requirements.

Testimonials

I think overall Paul and the team have completed this project very professionally and Epping Forest District Council are very pleased with the service provided.

Epping Forest District CouncilHousing Assets Manager

I would like to thank you for the prompt and professional manner in the way you dealt with the Brigg REP fire risk assessment, and at such short notice too. I have found your service nothing but excellent.

Brigg Renewable Energy PlantAssistant Resident Project Manager

We have been working with DDS (International) for over two years. During this time we have seen an increase in our overall health and safety awareness and also improvements in compliance. It led to us recently being awarded a prestigious bronze RoSPA Award.

Household brandHead of Facilities

I cannot speak highly enough of the professional manner and commitment of DDS International to provide just what was required.

The Mall CorporationHead of Facilities

Some of Our Valued Customers

Categories

DDS International

At DDS International, we specialise in providing advice, training, health and safety consultancy and highly effective management and support systems for legal compliance in the UK and internationally; covering fire safety, health and safety, food safety and first aid.

We will work with you to develop, implement and maintain simple, robust and highly effective systems to make managing your safety compliance simple and straightforward.